A U.S.-flagged tanker carrying jet fuel was struck by a cargo ship in the North Sea off the coast of eastern England on Monday, triggering multiple explosions and setting both vessels on fire, officials said. An English port boss said he had been told there was "a massive fireball" following the collision.

One person is missing and jet fuel has leaked into the sea, raising fears about potential environmental damage.

A major rescue operation was under way in the North Sea after a cargo ship hit a tanker laden with jet fuel, engulfing both vessels in flames.